Taxi meters take toll as Cabcharge links e-tags

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DISPUTES with taxi drivers over toll-road fares could soon be
over, with Cabcharge Australia preparing to roll out a new e-tag
system.

Sydney-based Cabcharge yesterday reported an 18 per cent rise in
net profit to $27.23 million, boosted partly by a new company-owned
electronic payment system for taxis, GPRS.

Chairman Reg Kermode said Cabcharge had also teamed with
toll-road operator Transurban to trial 200 e-tags that
automatically added toll-road charges to the taxi meter.

"The Transurban and Cabcharge agreement was completed to develop
and provide a solution to make the payment of tolls and other
charges easier and more transparent to customers, taxi operators
and drivers," Mr Kermode said.

"The project will use Transurban's experience and technology
linked to the Cabcharge-branded taxi meter, and the Cabcharge
electronic payment system linked to the e-tags."

Mr Kermode said Cabcharge was also preparing to replace paper
taxi dockets with a new e-ticketing system.

"With the GPRS roll-out now a reality, the introduction of the
Cabcharge e-ticket conversion could be achieved by this calendar
year," he said.

"This will result in elimination of paper vouchers and its
costly usage, and will allow for faster migration to our enhanced
electronic platform."

Cabcharge would consider further acquisition opportunities as
they arose, following a recent joint venture with Singapore
transport company ComfortDelGro to acquire Sydney bus operator
Westbus for $107 million, Mr Kermode said.